{
  "id": 7520865,
  "title": "NSCDC arrests ex-AEDC worker, others over N350m cable theft",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/15/nscdc-arrests-ex-aedc-worker-others-over-n350m-cable-theft-7520865",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-15T09:48:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/nscdc-arrests-ex-aedc-worker-others-over-n350m-cable-theft/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested a former Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) employee, Isaac Zegbe, and several accomplices for the theft and vandalism of electricity cables worth more than N350 million. The suspects were apprehended during intelligence-driven operations in multiple Northern states including Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Plateau, Kogi, Benue, Niger and Kaduna. NSCDC spokesperson, Assistant Commandant Babawale Afolabi, confirmed the arrests during a press parade at the Corps' headquarters in Abuja. The stolen cables were utilized to supply marketers in various FCT markets. A court order has been obtained to seal the shops of merchants involved in the purchase of the stolen cables. Furthermore, the NSCDC dismantled a four-man syndicate specializing in Toyota vehicle theft, recovering an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, cash, and a stolen Toyota Camry. Other arrests included individuals accused of vandalizing power cables and stealing tractor batteries, with the latter allegedly sold for N20,000 each. The recovered items will be presented in court following the completion of investigations.",
  "summary": "The NSCDC has arrested a former AEDC worker, Isaac Zegbe, and his accomplices for the alleged vandalism and theft of electricity cables worth over N350m. Read More: https://punchng.com/nscdc-arrests-ex-aedc-worker-others-over-n350m-cable-theft/",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "NSCDC arrests ex-AEDC worker, others over N350m cable theft",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/15/nscdc-arrests-ex-aedc-worker-others-over-n350m-cable-theft",
        "published": "2026-09-15T09:12:04.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}